Ride the Range with Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog An Iron Range Snowmobiling Blog by Dave Karpik Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:56:22 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.2 en © dave@ironrange.org () dave@ironrange.org Snowmobiling 1440 Snowmobiling Podcast with Dave Karpik dave@ironrange.org No no http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/blogimage.jpg Ride the Range with Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog 144 144 Ride the Range…On a Sled…In April! I’m Serious! http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/08/ride-the-rangeon-a-sledin-april-im-serious/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/08/ride-the-rangeon-a-sledin-april-im-serious/#comments Tue, 08 Apr 2008 21:31:36 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/08/ride-the-rangeon-a-sledin-april-im-serious/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Ride the Range…On a Sled…In April! I’m Serious!", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/08/ride-the-rangeon-a-sledin-april-im-serious/" }); ]]> Wow did we have a BLAST today on the snowmobile trails. It is my professional recommendation that if you have a sled, and you have a personal day (or become ’suddenly ill’) that you get your tail up to the Iron Range and ride the fresh snow.

Here’s a few tips if you ride:

  • The trail between Gilbert and Biwabik closed on April 1. You can get on the trail, but it’s tricky. Don’t try to go through the OHV park, because you’ll get booted. Ride along the highway for a while toward Biwabik and follow the tracks til you get on the trail.
  • Some spots are very wet…so be careful
  • Giants Ridge was REALLY nice
  • Move quickly…this won’t last long!
  • Talk to the locals….the trails aren’t groomed so it helps to team up with people who know their way around

Check out the slide show and I guarantee you’ll be itching to get up here. Now’s the time!

Once again, ride safe and ride right!

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/08/ride-the-rangeon-a-sledin-april-im-serious/feed/ Fresh April Snow! http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/07/fresh-april-snow/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/07/fresh-april-snow/#comments Mon, 07 Apr 2008 18:56:22 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/07/fresh-april-snow/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Fresh April Snow!", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/07/fresh-april-snow/" }); ]]> Hello fellow riders… so you were already packing away your sleds- well not so fast.  We just received 18-24″ of fresh stuff over the last 48 hours - and its heavy snow - not going to blow away.  In mid winter this might of been 36-48″ of snow.  Deep snow conditions exist eveywhere up here in the Range country.So, if you have a “Personal day” left on the books use it up.  As an FYI, I have no indications of grooming of trails at this moment but who cares- lets ride.  I will be out every day this week until the snow is gone.Ride safe, ride right.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/04/07/fresh-april-snow/feed/ Mid-March Trail Conditions http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/13/mid-march-trail-conditions/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/13/mid-march-trail-conditions/#comments Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:29:01 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/13/mid-march-trail-conditions/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Mid-March Trail Conditions", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/13/mid-march-trail-conditions/" }); ]]> Hello fellow sledders:

Great news- it snowed a nice heavy 3-4″ last night and I was out on the trails earlier this week for a fantastic ride with a writer from Supertrax magazine.  We hit the Taconite, Laurentian, Moose Trail and the Virginia Spur trails- all were groomed… though they did have a few bare spots the riding was excellent and the recent snow cover should remedy concerns.

Its the best time of the year to ride so load up the trailers and lets ride.

Remember… Ride safe, right right.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/13/mid-march-trail-conditions/feed/ Blade Tour and Trail Ride http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/07/blade-tour-and-trail-ride/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/07/blade-tour-and-trail-ride/#comments Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:45:27 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/07/blade-tour-and-trail-ride/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Blade Tour and Trail Ride", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/07/blade-tour-and-trail-ride/" }); ]]> Hey, guys and gals!  Check out my latest video podcast complete with the hottest snowmobile ‘bling’  on the market found on Blade snowmobiles - made right here on the Iron Range. PLUS, see the latest trail conditions firsthand.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/03/07/blade-tour-and-trail-ride/feed/ 00:01:01 Hey, guys and gals!nbsp; Check out my latest video podcast complete with the hottest snowmobile lsquo;blingrsquo;nbsp; on the market found on Blade snowmobiles - made ... Hey, guys and gals!nbsp; Check out my latest video podcast complete with the hottest snowmobile lsquo;blingrsquo;nbsp; on the market found on Blade snowmobiles - made right here on the Iron Range. PLUS, see the latest trail conditions firsthand.ShareThis Trail,Conditions,,Video,Podcast dave@ironrange.org no No The Trails are Awesome! http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/15/the-trails-are-awesome/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/15/the-trails-are-awesome/#comments Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:15:52 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/15/the-trails-are-awesome/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "The Trails are Awesome!", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/15/the-trails-are-awesome/" }); ]]> Well… trails were just awesome yesterday… and I mean awesome. There’s a 2-3-4″ soft fresh blanket on top a table-top like surface. I did not find any bad sections across the range on my 137 miles trek.

Unfortunately I did not see hardly another snowmobiler while riding. So I still have loads of free stuff like room nights, meals and fuel, etc. to dish out.

This Saturday BLADE Snowmobiles is sponsoring lunch at the Landing (Lake Vermilion) for those particpating in the United Way Winter Blast ride… so get on up to Fortune Bay, sign up for the ride (becuase its the right thing to do) and we’ll see you at the Landing.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/15/the-trails-are-awesome/feed/ Fresh snow… http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/14/fresh-snow/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/14/fresh-snow/#comments Thu, 14 Feb 2008 17:30:39 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/14/fresh-snow/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Fresh snow…", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/14/fresh-snow/" }); ]]> Fresh snow, so I’m hitting the trail today for an extended test ride on an unmarked BLADE (black & white) I should be out from 1:30 till dark. Catch me if you can because I got some great stuff to shell out to those lucky sledders riding today.

PS. Mark your calendar- On March 15th, 1:00PM, the City of Eveleth is having a snowmbile rally downtown… yeaup- right down town. I guess they’re inviting the Antique, Vintage and Modern snowmobile clubs and enthusiasts to join in. I guess there will be Trophies, prizes, parade and such for participants. So prepare to take a run down Eveleth’s main drag with your sled… its been a while since that was lawful.

Sounds like there may also be some HIGH-FLYING action with some pro riders showing their stuff off some big man-made jumps.

See on the trail,
Your Iron Trail Getaway Guide
David K.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/02/14/fresh-snow/feed/ Iron Range Trail Update http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/31/iron-range-trail-update/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/31/iron-range-trail-update/#comments Thu, 31 Jan 2008 22:39:47 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/31/iron-range-trail-update/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Iron Range Trail Update", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/31/iron-range-trail-update/" }); ]]> Just a quick update on the trail conditions on the Iron Range. The word is out – the trails are in great shape!

I’ve only made a couple of short jaunts but I can say the trails are extremely smooth but icey, and do lack some lubrication factor with them being this icey. Spurs, un-groomed trails, short-cuts and so on have practically no lubrication as they are frozen near solid. So if you’re riding now get off the trail every so often to lube your track and cool your hyfax. The weekend is supposed to be extremely nice… in the mid 20’s so lube shouldn’t be a problem especially with more activity.

REMEMBER, if you can catch me on the trail (and mention the #22) , I’ll fill your sled’s tank with fuel OR if you mention the #8, I’ve got a free night’s stay at the Super 8 in Eveleth . Take your pick…I can’t give both to the same individual! (more…)

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/31/iron-range-trail-update/feed/ Catch me if you can & win a free night’s stay! http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/25/catch-me-if-you-can-win-a-free-night%e2%80%99s-stay/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/25/catch-me-if-you-can-win-a-free-night%e2%80%99s-stay/#comments Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:39:39 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/25/catch-me-if-you-can-win-a-free-night%e2%80%99s-stay/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Catch me if you can & win a free night’s stay!", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/25/catch-me-if-you-can-win-a-free-night%e2%80%99s-stay/" }); ]]> Super 8 in Eveleth, MNBe the FIRST person to catch me on the trail and mention the #8 and I’ll give you a free one night’s stay at the Super 8 in Eveleth! (Folks, you’ve gotta be on your sled or trailering your sleds…)

The Iron Range has several great places to stay when you’re riding. One of the places I like to refer to riders is the Super 8 in Eveleth.

Here are the top “8” reasons why you should stay at the Super 8 in Eveleth on your next Iron Range snowmobile getaway.

8. Free Wireless Internet – this keeps you in contact with friends and family (and me – catch me here) while you’re riding the Range

7. The Super 8 is an “Award Winning” property, assuring you that your accommodations with be clean and comfortable! If you know “Bill” (proprietor) you know how impeccable his properties are.

6. A “SuperStart” breakfast – the Super 8 hits a home run in this area offering fresh Belgian waffles, hard boiled eggs, hot & cool cereal, fresh fruit, milk, juice, a hot cup of fresh brewed coffee and more!

5. Dining options within minutes of the Super 8 – including Goodfella’s (right across the street), the Whistling Bird (Gilbert), Wandering Pines (Gilbert), Grandma’s (Virginia), Adventures (Virginia), Sawmill (Virginia), LaCocina & Cantina (Virginia), and several others, all just minutes away.

4. When you come back from a day on the trails, the Super 8 has a gigantic spa complete with foot massage jets, guaranteed to warm you up after riding! Their unique barrel sauna is another great option after a day of riding the Range!

3. The Super 8 is located just across the highway from Five Seasons Sports Center, where you can find snowmobile spare parts and service, apparel and more…

2. Easy to find (located right on Hwy 53) & the Super 8 has a substantial parking area with space for several snowmobile trailers – making your trip a little less cumbersome

And, the #1 reason the Super 8 in Eveleth is a great place to stay –

1. Direct access to more than 2,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails!!! Seriously, folks, how much better does it get?

So here’s my plug for our friends the Super 8 in Eveleth, call 866-611-1661 or make your reservations online here.
Ride safe… ride right.

David K.

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/25/catch-me-if-you-can-win-a-free-night%e2%80%99s-stay/feed/ Warm(er) Weather, Measureable Snow on its Way http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/24/warmer-weather-measureable-snow-on-its-way/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/24/warmer-weather-measureable-snow-on-its-way/#comments Thu, 24 Jan 2008 22:45:37 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/24/warmer-weather-measureable-snow-on-its-way/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Warm(er) Weather, Measureable Snow on its Way", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/24/warmer-weather-measureable-snow-on-its-way/" }); ]]> Hello, fellow riders.
We’ve had some darn chilly weather on the Iron Range recently, which makes it pretty much unbearable to get out and ride for pure pleasure. However, the good news is that everything is frozen now, warm(er) weather is on the way and there’s measureable snowfall in the extended forecast. The base up here is very good and solid and you get to just about anywhere now.

Here’s a quick glance at Iron Range trail conditions as they stand now (courtesy of the DNR). (more…)

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]]> http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/24/warmer-weather-measureable-snow-on-its-way/feed/ Iron Range Snow Conditions http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/15/iron-range-snow-conditions/ http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/15/iron-range-snow-conditions/#comments Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:53:00 +0000 Dave Karpik http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/15/iron-range-snow-conditions/ SHARETHIS.addEntry({ title: "Iron Range Snow Conditions", url: "http://dave.ironrange.org/blog/2008/01/15/iron-range-snow-conditions/" }); ]]> Well, we’ve had some warm(er)-than-normal weather and I know many of you were concerned about the conditions of the trails. Areas near wetlands (swamps) continue to lack some grooming- so be prepared, but hey, with all the stand-up riding going on it shouldn’t be a bother… “stand-up riding” isn’t that what we did in 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and most of the 90’s before we brought long travel into the picture??? (more…)

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